Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
Excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
OCD is characterized by unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control. If you have OCD, you may be troubled by obsessions, such as a recurring worry about something or the fear you might hurt someone. You may also suffer from uncontrollable compulsions, such as washing your hands over and over. OCD is a life long disorder that gradually can get worst with time.
Understanding Obsession:
OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted urges or images that cause distress or anxiety. You might try to get rid of them by performing a compulsion. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.
Obsessions themes, such as:
•Fear of contamination or dirt
•Having things orderly and symmetrical
•Aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming yourself or others
•Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects.
Examples of obsession signs and symptoms include:
•Fear of being contaminated by shaking hands or by touching objects others have touched
•Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove
•Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way
•Images of hurting yourself or someone else
•Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately
•Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands
•Distress about unpleasant sexual images repeating in your mind
Understanding Compulsion:
OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These repetitive behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. However, engaging in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only a temporary relief from anxiety.
Compulsion themes, such as:
•Washing and cleaning
•counting
•Checking
•Demanding reassurances
•Following a strict routine
•Orderliness
Examples of compulsion signs and symptoms include:
•Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw
•Checking doors repeatedly to make sure they're locked
•checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it's off
•Counting in certain patterns
•Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase
•Arranging your canned goods to face the same way